F1 LIVE | McLaren 1-2 in FP1 as Verstappen and Hamilton struggle

12:30, 01 Aug

Updated: 14:29, 01 Aug

byTobia Elia

Everything is set for the start of the first practice session in Hungary at the Hungaroring. Follow GPBlog’s live blog to stay updated on all the action in FP1!

LiveBlog

Less than a week after the Belgian GP, Formula 1 is ready to get back on track, this time at the historic Hungaroring circuit — a favorite among drivers for years.

There’s a lot of anticipation to see whether McLaren will once again dominate in Hungary, or if someone else—like Max Verstappen—can challenge the papaya team’s drivers.

Lewis Hamilton is also hoping for a strong result on a track where the Brit has triumphed eight times in his career.

Will weather affect FP1?

Keep an eye on the weather, as rain—just like at Silverstone and Spa—could disrupt team strategies on Saturday and especially Sunday, with a high chance of another rain-affected race.

While Belgium featured the sprint format, Hungary will see the return of the traditional weekend setup, with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday as usual.

The first session, barring any surprises, is expected to take place under ideal dry track conditions. This could already provide teams with valuable data on both qualifying pace and race performance, ahead of more detailed simulations in FP2.

To find out what the Hungarian weekend has in store, all that’s left is to wait for the first green light. FP1 will start at 13:30, and as always, GPBlog will provide live coverage with our real-time commentary.

Alonso to sit out from FP1

The Silverstone outfit have announced that the 44-year-old has suffered an injury to his back that will see him miss the first free practice session for the Budapest event.

In a statement announced by the team, it stated: “In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back."

"As he continues with treatment this morning, he has chosen to sit out of FP1. Felipe Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Lance Stroll. A decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course.”